Trees for Villagers

Why trees?
The article ‘Soil Erosion Andhra Pradesh’ by Dr. S. L. Patil from the Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation elaborates the quantitative details of the soil loss in the state and the need for initiation of rapid conservation methods. The potential of minimal conservation efforts to provide greater returns has also been mentioned by him, which makes tree plantation extremely productive in the area. The European Environmental Agency highlights the ability of the forests to prevent disasters in the long term if timely action is taken. The increase of forest cover increases the water retention capacity of the area thereby preventing floods. It also shields against landslides, that are rampant in the area and cause great loss of life and resources as mentioned by the Geological Survey of India. In the article titled, ‘Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition’ contributed by Eva Muller ( Director of the Forest Economics, Policy and Products Division of the Forestry Department, FAO) and Fred Kafeero ( Forestry Officer of FAO with extensive field experience on participatory forestry and improving forest-based livelihoods), mentions the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change and contributing to food security for the most vulnerable people, thus making plantation of trees extremely important to the community and the environment at large.

Social Impact
Plantation of local species has contributed in the conservation of the resources like soil by preventing rapid flow of rainwater. The ground-water retention capacity of the soil also increases thereby supporting the vegetation growth in the area in a cyclic manner. The agriculture in the nearby region also is supported due to this contribution of the trees as well as the addition of nutrients to the soil. The absorption of carbon and release of oxygen contributes to a healthy environment and keeps the global temperature in check. This, in turn, prevents the major natural disasters and shield the community from major losses due to it. The Non-Timber Forest Products contributed is a source of additional livelihood opportunity for the people, in addition to the improved agricultural output provided by the trees, thus making the tree plantation in the area very productive.  
 

• 
  Common Name
  Lal Chandan or Raktachandan
  
  Botanical Name
  Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.
• 
  Common Name
  Neem
  
  Botanical Name
  Azadirachta indica
• 
  Common Name
  Karanj
  
  Botanical Name
  Pongamia pinnata
• 
  Common Name
  Peepal
  
  Botanical Name
  Ficus religiosa
• 
  Common Name
  Custard Apple
  
  Botanical Name
  Annona squamosa
• 
  Common Name
  Khair
  
  Botanical Name
  Senegalia catechu
• 
  Common Name
  Gangaraavi
  
  Botanical Name
  Thespesia populnea
• 
  Common Name
  Fig
  
  Botanical Name
  Ficus racemosa
• 
  Common Name
  Kassod
  
  Botanical Name
  Siamese cassia
• 
  Common Name
  Kassod
  
  Botanical Name
  Senna siamea
• 
  Common Name
  Wild Tamarind
  
  Botanical Name
  Leucaena leucocephala